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LOT 337
Unique and Rare North Vietnamese/Viet Cong Copy of a Model 1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 151-28-7-1.966, 45 cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. Manufactured by an unknown party, this pistol bears a strong resemblance to known “underground” pistols from the
Indochina/Vietnam region. Such weapons were pressed into service for the First Indochina War against the
French, and would continue to be used by factions on both sides of the North/South split after the French left; such weapons are often associated
with the Viet Cong, and a very similar weapon pictured on page 720 of “Small Arms of the World: 10th Revised Edition” by Ezell is identified to the “Cao Dai’ religious sect from the South. Made mainly by hand in crude workshops, Ezell notes that these weapons have been seen with finish “surprisingly good considering the circumstances under which they were made”. Made in direct emulation of the 1911A1, this example is marked “MADE IN-MI-NA/No 151-28-7-
1.966” on the left of the slide, which may include the manufacture date and where it was produced. The writer believes the intended serial number is “151” while the date of manufacture is 28 July 1966, as multiple small parts bear the partial serial number “51”. Fitted with a blade front sight and notch rear sight, hand-filed slide serrations, checkered narrow hammer, no functioning safeties, checkered hardwood grips, smooth slightly arched mainspring housing with lanyard loop, and handmade matching magazine numbered “51” on the base.
CONDITION: Very good, retains faint traces of the original blue finish in sheltered areas with the balance mostly a mottled grey-brown patina and some scattered light pitting, indicative of jungle use. The grips are also very good showing some moderate wear, scattered minor dings, and otherwise well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. A rare piece missing from many of the most extensive military collections!
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
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LOT 338
Desirable Chinese Shansei Arsenal .45 ACP Broomhandle Pistol with Nationalist Medal and Matching Ribbon Bar - Serial no. 1589, 45 ACP cal., 5 1/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. One of the most popular handguns in China, the Mauser Broomhandle would become one of the signature weapons of the Second Sino-Japanese War, with both original and Chinese arsenal manufactured Broomhandles extensively
used by both the Nationalist and Communist forces against the Japanese (and later against each other). This style of Broomhandle is chiefly associated with
the Nationalist-run Shansei Arsenal, upscaling the classic Broomhandle design to the 45 ACP cartridge, which was readily available due to American material support against Japan. The right side of the frame is marked with a series of Chinese characters, and the left side has the Chinese factory markings, with the left side of the chamber area stamped with serial number “2003”. It has the same standard barrel mounted blade front and tangent rear sights, graduated to 1,000 meters. It is fitted with the late style small ring hammer, old style safety lever, and grooved hardwood grips. The exterior numbers are matching, with matching penciled numbers inside the grips. The underside of the butt has the stud for the lanyard loop. Included with the group is a China War Memorial Medal (a Nationalist/Republic of China decoration authorized for American wear) with matching ribbon bar.
CONDITION: Good, with the exterior surface having turned a mixed gray patina, with a few small areas of shallow pitting and mild handling marks overall. A mixed brown patina is present on the grip frame under the panels, with a small void in the top of the front strap, likely a factory forging error. The grips are good, with some mild wear and dings. Mechanically very good.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500